Should you evacuate?

Decide now what you do when the next hurricane threatens. Where you live and the storm's location generally determine whether you'll need to leave your home and/or your business.

Who needs to evacuate in Broward County?

Plan A (typically for a Category 1-2 hurricane): all residents in the area east of the Intracoastal Waterway. Plan A evacuation zone residents may experience a storm surge 4-7 feet above sea level and winds from 74-110 miles per hour.

Plan B (typically a Category 3, 4, or 5 hurricane): all residents in the area east of U.S. 1/ Federal Highway. Plan B evacuation zone residents may experience a storm surge 7-11 feet above sea level and winds of 111 miles per hour or greater.

Also, persons located in low lying areas or adjacent to tidal bodies of water should seek shelter elsewhere. All mobile home residents MUST evacuate in both Plan A and Plan B scenarios.

If you plan to evacuate outside of Broward County, leave early while the weather is still nice. Be aware that roadways may be jammed and traffic slow moving. Red Cross Hurricane Shelters typically open 4 hours after an evacuation is ordered.

Where will you go?

Decide on a specific place-either a family or friend's home outside the evacuation area; a hotel or motel; or a shelter. Call (866) 438-4636 for the nearest Red Cross Emergency Shelter.

If you have a pet, take it with you. If you go to a shelter, you must be pre-registered for a pet friendly shelter for your pet to join you. Call the Humane Society of Broward County at (954) 989-3977 for more information.

If you have special medical needs, you must be pre-registered for a special needs shelter. Call the Broward County Elderly and Veteran's Services at (954) 537-2888 for more information.

You must be pre-registered if you need assistance with transportation to and from shelters and are a person with disabilities. Call the Broward County Elderly and Veterans Services at (954) 537-2888 for more information.

Create a list of essential people to call before you evacuate. Designate one person as an out-of-town contact and ask that person to update others as necessary.

Under Florida law, e-mail addresses are public records. If you do not want your e-mail address released in response to a public-records request, do not send electronic mail to this entity. Instead, contact this office by phone or in writing.